Tag Archives: ICAC

The ICAC today heard allegations that former New South Wales Energy Minister Chris Hartcher hid political donations from developers. It came as the man who sparked the probe into the financial dealings of Liberal MPs on the Central Coast fronted the corruption watchdog. Read More »

There was a sensational start to a new ICAC inquiry today, with claims of secret slush funds and cash for favours sending jitters through the New South Wales Government. The hearings are focusing on a group of Liberal MPs, and allegations of a sophisticated plot to subvert electoral funding laws. Read More »

PHOTO: Former NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell and Terrigal MP, Chris Hartcher at a NSW Service Centre opening last year. Three Central Coast MPs have been linked to an alleged sham company used to secretly funnel political donations, an ICAC inquiry has heard today. Operation Spicer, which is investigating the subversion of electoral funding laws in New South Wales, has identified Terrigal MP and former NSW energy minister, Chris Hartcher, as an integral part of the operations, which allegedly siphoned more than $400,000 in donations to prospective MPs and associates in return for favours. Member for the Entrance, Chris Spence and Member for Wyong, Darren Webber, are named as benefiting from the allegedly bogus EightByFive operations, run by former staffer Tim Koelma. One-time mining magnate Nathan Tinkler has also been linked to the sham, with his Buildev Group paying $66,000 for ... Read More »

The Doyles Creek mining license is on track to be cancelled, with legislation passing through NSW State parliament today. The introduction of the Mining Amendment Bill 2014 comes two months after the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) recommended licenses for three mines be cancelled, after corrupt findings against former Labor MP Eddie Obeid, former mining minister Ian Macdonald and union official John Maitland. Doyles Creek licensee, NuCoal Resources, has since threatened to mount a constitutional challenge to the bill, which would offer no compensation for the losses incurred. Read More »

Premier Barry O’Farrell has announced the state government will cancel licences for Doyles Creek, Mount Penny and Glendon Brook, following findings the grants involved corrupt dealings. The announcement follows a recommendation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). He said no compensation would be provided for the cancellation of the licences and the legislation would indemnify taxpayers from any possible claims relating to the issuing or cancellation of the licences. Coal companies embroiled in the ICAC inquiry into the corrupt dealings around the granting of the licences had asked the state government not to strike out their mining licences. Read More »

The Lock the Gate Alliance is welcoming ICAC’s recommendations, claiming land holders at Jerrys Plains will breathe easier once those mining leases have been scrapped. Bryan Chapman, a property owner outside the Doyles Creek lease, says the state government needs to overhaul the system. “We deserve the certainty of ongoing protection from coal mining projects. Every community in NSW deserves a fairer, more transparent system than the one we have now,” he said. More on ICAC’s recommendations. Read More »